Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Incredible Story, Check Out the 3-Ft. Giant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_4YpAHxAwA
It this doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.. if you can believe it, you can achieve it!
It this doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.. if you can believe it, you can achieve it!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Happy Friday!
Another busy week coming to an end. I wanted to write about my exciting day yesterday. I traveled to Lexington (I live in Kentucky) to meet with my graduate advisor to plan my final courses, and to discuss the organization of a alternative conflict resolution association in Kentucky. The field of alternative dispute/conflict resolution is coming into its own. What was once a field dominated by attorneys and judges as a means to resolve legal disputes outside of litigation, has now become a profession in its own right. The realization is that life coaching/conflict coaching, alternative conflict resolution (proactive/reactive) is not about the law, but about human emotions, behaviors, wants, needs, goals and values. It is individual empowerment to make the most important decisions that affect our personal well-being or the well-being of those closest to us.
Associations that support the field of conflict resolution are popping up all over the United States. Kentucky is behind in this area and it is time we catch up! LaVena Wilkins, my advisor and the Director of the Graduate Studies in Conflict Management at Sullivan University, and an advocate for the need and growth of this profession, and I had a wonderful talk about the the need for an association here and the necessary first steps in planning the first Kentucky based conflict resolution association. I am so excited about the opportunity to be a part of such an important organization. This organization will support our practitioners, work to educate individuals on proactive and reactive ways to manage conflict, educate our schools, develop a marketing network, and promote the growth of this profession in our home state. We decided that our first step would be to begin polling individuals from various professions and areas of study for their levels of interest in the program. Once we determine the level of interest, we will schedule a meeting to develop our planning committee and to begin outlining the process for organizing the association. I will keep everyone posted!
Finally, I ended my day with lunch and a bit of shopping with my best friend Amy who has been a wonderful support to me through many years of our friendship. She is the kind of friend that lasts a lifetime, doesn't judge or criticize, gives honest advice and truly wants your happiness. It was the end to a great day!
Associations that support the field of conflict resolution are popping up all over the United States. Kentucky is behind in this area and it is time we catch up! LaVena Wilkins, my advisor and the Director of the Graduate Studies in Conflict Management at Sullivan University, and an advocate for the need and growth of this profession, and I had a wonderful talk about the the need for an association here and the necessary first steps in planning the first Kentucky based conflict resolution association. I am so excited about the opportunity to be a part of such an important organization. This organization will support our practitioners, work to educate individuals on proactive and reactive ways to manage conflict, educate our schools, develop a marketing network, and promote the growth of this profession in our home state. We decided that our first step would be to begin polling individuals from various professions and areas of study for their levels of interest in the program. Once we determine the level of interest, we will schedule a meeting to develop our planning committee and to begin outlining the process for organizing the association. I will keep everyone posted!
Finally, I ended my day with lunch and a bit of shopping with my best friend Amy who has been a wonderful support to me through many years of our friendship. She is the kind of friend that lasts a lifetime, doesn't judge or criticize, gives honest advice and truly wants your happiness. It was the end to a great day!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Today's Quote...
We all have inconveniences of one kind or another. How you deal with them ultimately determines how successful you are. - Craig McFarlane
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Project PEACEWorks
Hello everyone! Wow it has been a week and I apologize for not getting my survey posted on "What Conflict Management Style Are You?". I hope to have this available in the next day or so. It has been a crazy week!
I have been pondering on what news I wanted to share with everyone and my mind kept focusing on the workshop I will be rolling out in the spring of 2010. Project PEACEWorks. I am so excited about this workshop and my opportunity to share and educate our youth on the importance of our relationships with others. Specifically, this workshop will educate our children on proactive as well as reactive skills for addressing conflict.
Our children are faced with such a magnitude of issues throughout their school years. Some of the issues they face are dealing with feelings; peer acceptance; divorce; competition; appearance; depression; loneliness; feelings of being out of control of a situation; emotional needs such as feeling important; being popular; and being loved. Children have a difficult time expressing what or how they feel. Many times, they are not even sure what it is they are feeling, they just know there is something wrong.
Changes in society demand our youth acquire more than just an education in english and math, but they need to be educated in communication skills and how to handle adversity and diversity. This workshop is being created to open up their interior tool box and give them the training they need to use these tools effectively and productively.
I am really just scratching the surface on this topic, but wanted to begin sharing with everyone the plans for a very important skill building workshop that will help our children work together more productively and peacefully. They are the reflections of the future!
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Have a wonderful day!!!
I have been pondering on what news I wanted to share with everyone and my mind kept focusing on the workshop I will be rolling out in the spring of 2010. Project PEACEWorks. I am so excited about this workshop and my opportunity to share and educate our youth on the importance of our relationships with others. Specifically, this workshop will educate our children on proactive as well as reactive skills for addressing conflict.
Our children are faced with such a magnitude of issues throughout their school years. Some of the issues they face are dealing with feelings; peer acceptance; divorce; competition; appearance; depression; loneliness; feelings of being out of control of a situation; emotional needs such as feeling important; being popular; and being loved. Children have a difficult time expressing what or how they feel. Many times, they are not even sure what it is they are feeling, they just know there is something wrong.
Changes in society demand our youth acquire more than just an education in english and math, but they need to be educated in communication skills and how to handle adversity and diversity. This workshop is being created to open up their interior tool box and give them the training they need to use these tools effectively and productively.
I am really just scratching the surface on this topic, but wanted to begin sharing with everyone the plans for a very important skill building workshop that will help our children work together more productively and peacefully. They are the reflections of the future!
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Are You an Avoider?
Do you tend to avoid conflicts? Face it conflict is a part of everyday life. It is in our homes, workplace, churches, communities.. everywhere we turn, we are faced with conflict in one way or another. A conflict can arise from something as simple as a disagreement between two spouses on what to cook for dinner and if it is not handled in the correct manner can escalate out of control.
Do not avoid conflict, hoping it will go away. Believe me. It won’t. Even if the conflict appears to have been put to rest, it will eventually rear its ugly head whenever stress increases or a new disagreement occurs. For example, have you ever had an argument about one issue, only to bring up another past issue in the heat of an argument? An unresolved conflict or interpersonal disagreement festers just under the surface. It revisits you whenever the opportunity arises, and always at the worst possible moment.
Sometimes, we do have to walk away when a conflict gets heated before things are said that we will regret later, and I definitely encourage you to be conscious when things get out of control. Know when to walk away. This is a good time to cool down and take some time to think. This is not avoidance, this is what I call an effort to keep the relationship intact. If we care about the relationship of the person we are in conflict with, we will take the necessary time and steps to work out our disagreement calmly and rationally. Returning and addressing the issue with the individual is also very empowering as you are taking control of the situation in an attempt to reach an amicable solution.
Avoidance style of conflict management is considered "passive" and in matters where the conflict is minor may be appropriate. But one must beware that problems not addressed overtime can ultimately damage relationships, and overuse of this style of conflict management can result in others taking advantage of us and our own goals not being met.
Do not avoid conflict, hoping it will go away. Believe me. It won’t. Even if the conflict appears to have been put to rest, it will eventually rear its ugly head whenever stress increases or a new disagreement occurs. For example, have you ever had an argument about one issue, only to bring up another past issue in the heat of an argument? An unresolved conflict or interpersonal disagreement festers just under the surface. It revisits you whenever the opportunity arises, and always at the worst possible moment.
Sometimes, we do have to walk away when a conflict gets heated before things are said that we will regret later, and I definitely encourage you to be conscious when things get out of control. Know when to walk away. This is a good time to cool down and take some time to think. This is not avoidance, this is what I call an effort to keep the relationship intact. If we care about the relationship of the person we are in conflict with, we will take the necessary time and steps to work out our disagreement calmly and rationally. Returning and addressing the issue with the individual is also very empowering as you are taking control of the situation in an attempt to reach an amicable solution.
Avoidance style of conflict management is considered "passive" and in matters where the conflict is minor may be appropriate. But one must beware that problems not addressed overtime can ultimately damage relationships, and overuse of this style of conflict management can result in others taking advantage of us and our own goals not being met.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Conflict Management Poll
I am taking a poll to see how everyone believes they typically handle conflicts. Next week, I will be posting a questionnaire you can take to see if you were accurate in your evaluation of yourself.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
ACRWorks Blog.. Day #1
I am so excited to be beginning my very first blog. Even more excited because this is the beginning of ACRWorks, (Alternative Conflict Resolution Works) which I have been working toward for almost 10 years.
The intention of my blog is to write about my personal journey into the field of mediation and conflict management as I wrap up my masters degree in conflict management and complete my civil mediation certification, as well as provide ongoing education, tips and news regarding this field.
When I was beginning my associates degree in Sullivan University's paralegal program, one of my instructors had discussed with the class how mediation was a new emerging field for which she opined that paralegals, because of their knowledge of the law, would make great mediators. When I did some further research I realized how much I could identify with this field, and how much more empowering it is for individuals to work through their own disputes which affect their lives, rather than through litigation and I wanted to be a part of that process. I wanted to help people resolve their conflicts on their own.
I can't wait to begin sharing the benefits of conflict management with everyone. Each day I hope to be able to post a little more about me and this very important field.
Have a good night..
Stephanie
The intention of my blog is to write about my personal journey into the field of mediation and conflict management as I wrap up my masters degree in conflict management and complete my civil mediation certification, as well as provide ongoing education, tips and news regarding this field.
When I was beginning my associates degree in Sullivan University's paralegal program, one of my instructors had discussed with the class how mediation was a new emerging field for which she opined that paralegals, because of their knowledge of the law, would make great mediators. When I did some further research I realized how much I could identify with this field, and how much more empowering it is for individuals to work through their own disputes which affect their lives, rather than through litigation and I wanted to be a part of that process. I wanted to help people resolve their conflicts on their own.
I can't wait to begin sharing the benefits of conflict management with everyone. Each day I hope to be able to post a little more about me and this very important field.
Have a good night..
Stephanie
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